Some big names dropped by NFL teams

NEW YORK, March 2 (UPI) -- A lack of a compromise on the collective bargaining agreement on Thursday left a number of big names on the NFL's chopping block.

There is no increase in the 2006 salary cap or an extension of the CBA, which meant pink slips for several players, including defensive end Trevor Pryce and running back Mike Anderson of Denver. Anderson led the Broncos in rushing last season.

The list of released players also included: Stephen Davis, who scored a team record 12 rushing touchdowns in 13 games in 2005 for Carolina; cornerbacks Sam Madison and Reggie Howard, and safety Tebucky Jones of Miami; defensive tackle Sam Adams and safety Lawyer Milloy of Buffalo; Kansas City linebacker Shawn Barber and Na'il Diggs of Green Bay.

The owners voted unanimously Thursday to halt any further talks with the union. The expiration date for the current agreement was moved to Monday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time instead of Friday, and that will be the first day of the free agency period.